High school text, Fitness for Life, reduces inactivity later in life

Research shows that high school students who take a class that teaches the facts about fitness and physical activity and that teaches students how to use self-management skills to implement healthy lifestyles into their daily routine, are less likely to be sedentary later in life.

Fitness for Life is a perfect example of a quality health-related physical education program that can help keep students healthy and active throughout their lives. While the text teaches important fitness and physical activity concepts, each chapter of the high school text also includes a self-management skill and a physical self-assessment.

Only about 1 in 4 adults get enough regular physical activity and nearly a third are totally sedentary. High school is a key time for promoting physical activity, as many youth become more sedentary throughout their high school years, with girls being particularly at risk of becoming totally sedentary.

Two studies show that high school physical education that teaches students how to be fit and active (such as Fitness for Life), reduces sedentary living after graduation, especially among girls.

Dale, D.L., Corbin, C.B. Physical activity participation of high school graduates following exposure to conceptual or traditional physical education. Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport, 71, (1)61-68, 2000.